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Submitted by
Derek Fray
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Guadalasca, Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Michaels Bicycles | | Strengths: | Excellent climbing bike, love the twitchy head tube angle. This bike (other than the noted weaknesses)has been rock solid for 4 seasons. I rode two sets of chain rings and one cluster right off the frame (I ride a lot). Replaced bottom bracket and three chains but everything else has been absolutely bullet proof. Improved the chain suck issue by removing 3 chain links. Quick climber, not too bad on the down hill runs. Moved on to a Santa Cruz Blur LT but, still love the Sugar 3+ | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, undersized rear disk caliper support..fixed with 1/2" aluminum tube from top of caliper mount to V-brake bolt. Works perfect now.. no more brake scream or vibrations. Duke shock was the weakest link... had it rebuilt twice and finally gave up. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale super V 900, | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike, strong, good climber, not bad on the downhill runs, handles excellent and rides like it weighs five pounds less than it does. Fisher is a good company and they make some really nice bikes. Would recommend this bike to anyone looking to purchse a used version. My 18 year old son now rides my sugar 3 and he loves it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john kahn
a
from Grapevine, TX. United States
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | LB Houston | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Inc. | | Strengths: | Light,Overall good setup. Fox R rear susp. | | Weaknesses: | Duke front forks, seat. Chain suck problem, resolved w/ tiestraps and lizardskin cover. | | Similar Products Used: | GF/00 Kaitai, Cannondale F4000 | | Bike Setup: | Selle' San Marcos, Easton XC carbon bar, Easton M60 stem, Lizard skins grips and chain,susp guard. | | Bottom Line: | Luv the bike, Would buy another, and recommend to anyone getting into cycling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john kahn
a
from Grapevine, TX. United States
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | LB Houston | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Inc. | | Strengths: | Light,Overall good setup. Fox R rear susp. | | Weaknesses: | Duke front forks, seat. Chain suck problem, resolved w/ tiestraps and lizardskin cover. | | Similar Products Used: | GF/00 Kaitai, Cannondale F4000 | | Bike Setup: | Selle' San Marcos, Easton XC carbon bar, Easton M60 stem, Lizard skins grips and chain,susp guard. | | Bottom Line: | Luv the bike, Would buy another, and recommend to anyone getting into cycling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico, USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (Frame only) | | Strengths: | Puts most of the rider's weight on the rear wheel, so it climbs like a goat! Sweet rear suspension, and easily adjustable. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck issues early on. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Attack 4.0 Way Big, stock setup (this frame broke after much abuse) and Attack 3.0 (free replacement frame from the kind folks at K2) | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 3+ XL Frame, Noleen Mega Air Forks, Avid BB7 Disc Brakes, SRAM X-Gen front derailleur, SRAM powerlink chain, Truvativ Firex Trushift Crankset, WTB almost everywhere else. | | Bottom Line: | I finally found a bike that fits!! I'm 6'3", 180 lbs, and need a bike with a top tube length of at least 25.5". Gary Fisher was one of the very few FS bikes available with a long top tube and definitely the most affordable. After many endo near misses with the Attack 3.0 and a final nasty one that trashed my shoulder (duh...why is my line of sight so far forward of the forks?), I had decided to quit riding completely in order to stay alive. 1 1/2 years later, after the pain went away and after researching proper bike fits, I bought the Sugar, stripped most of the parts off the K2 and slapped them on the Sugar 3+. Great ride, except for occasional visits from the Chain Suck Gremlin. Tried the zip tie fix suggested by another reviwer, and it worked for a while but eventually the zip ties ripped off under severe suck mode. Finaly replaced the old worn out chain, cassette and middle chainring and swithed to a low-goo lube - Boeshield...no more chain suck so far! Thanks Fisher for making a bike that fits the taller riders...I love this bike, and I'm riding again! 5 flaming Chilis all around! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marshall robins
a Racer
from san jose
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | the bike is a great bike with the float r in the back the rebound adjusment is really nice. the frame is nicely built and deseign isn't bad either | | Weaknesses: | the if your chain is not very well lubricated then the middle chainring will pull the chain up into the frame areathen your screwed if your somewhere on the mountain b/c the only way to get it out is to spin the wheel in reverse(so theres enough torque) and that bends the link and you cant ride home but just replace the middle chain ring and youll be fine. | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike with only a few tiny little problems that are easily fixed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Yargo | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS in Vail | | Strengths: | Great Climbing ability. | | Weaknesses: | Front Fork. Upgraded the springs to the hardest Rock Shox makes, but it still leaves something to be desired. Chain Suck-fixed. The stock seat needs to be replaced immediatley. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel
Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | I'm a big rider, so after I bent the back rim I repaced the wheelset with a rhynolite/deore setup(cheap, but strong.) New specialized seat and new tires(panaracer fire pro). Ok so how i fixed the chain suck-got rid of three chain rings and replaced it with one. I'm down to nine speeds, but I never used the other ones all that much. I love the setup and haven't had one problem with it. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. My only big complaint is the Rock Shox Duke fork-it sucks, but I would still buy this bike again over the Trek Fuel and Specialized Stump I also considered buying. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampton VA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | York River | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Idaho Mountain Sports | | Strengths: | Geometry
Frame
Components (other than hubs) | | Weaknesses: | Hubs went quicker than I would have liked, I maintened them fairly well. I tend to be a heavy rider 6' 200lb and I don't take it easy to often. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper
| | Bike Setup: | A few upgrades but still mostly stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike I have been riding it for 3 years and still love to ride it. It responds perfectly. The two travel setting are perfect depending on what kind of trail you will be riding (tends to be a little tight going from 2" to 4" but the other way snaps right in). No complaints, Love the bike.
I'd recommend it to anyone who has found a hardtail is just too weak for their riding style. (i.e. bent rims, bent frame, etc.) not for people just looking to minimize a sore but. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Gallup, NM
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any ride beats working | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Scoreboard Sports | | Strengths: | 1) Light, great acceleration, superb climber, sweet geometry
2) Terrific handling in tight, technical singletrack
3) Fox Float-R rear shock | | Weaknesses: | 1) Chain suck issue (solved! see below)
2) Duke XC: soft on climbs, especially in long travel mode
3) Slow rubber (why IRC backcountry 2.25's? ) | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd: Trek Fuel 98 and Specialized FSR-Pro (both 2003's) | | Bike Setup: | Fox F80X Terralogic fork(2004); Avid SD-7 brakes/levers; Time ATAC pedals; Michelin Wildgripper 2.10's | | Bottom Line: | 1) The near-perfect all-day epic trailbike
2) Componentry is mostly solid; great value for the money
3) Chain suck: (no, it's not my technique). A huge, frustrating problem until my LBS swapped out the "V3" middle chainring for the updated "V5" on the stock Bontrager Race crankset. (Early 2003 Sugar 3+'s like mine were shipped with an incompatible middle chainring; see fisherbikes.com & check out the FAQ's for the Sugar chain suck fixes). Chain suck went from common to uncommon, but was still a maddening, occasional problem until I stumbled on the 9/2004 posting on mtbr.com for the Sugar 3+ disc and a guy from Finland had the final fix: a strategically placed (and glued) zip tie on the chainstay nearly touching the big ring completely eliminated chain suck once and for all. My Sugar has been perfect ever since. (I can e-mail you a JPEG of my set-up).
4) The Duke XC was a novelty as one of the first U-turn "infinitely adjustable" (63-108 mm) forks, but its 4.11# weight and its bobby, spongy stock springs grew old quick. Swapping the Duke for the Fox Float 80X was an absolute revelation. (I will never ride another fork).
5) Bottom line: I'd buy the Sugar 3+ again in a heartbeat now that the chain suck issue has been (finally) solved, but I'd swap the fork for a Fox Float. And I'm gonna ride this Fisher into the ground. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david eaves
a Racer
from swansea
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything really | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | suspention actoion is very smooth with little bob, weight it also ok and the general way the bike rides is very good | | Weaknesses: | shock bushings wore out quite quickly but were easily sorted out | | Similar Products Used: | specialised epic and fsr, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | specialised sugar plus frame, fox float r shock, marzochi marathon s forks, crossmax xl, xt throughout, hope m4 brakes, conti vapor tyres easton finishing kit | | Bottom Line: | buy one, i think its the best all purpose mountian bike i have ever ridden. i race road bikes so i like to have a mountian bike more for trails than to race so its not quite as light as an epic or something like that but it is very confy, handles very well and a superb trail bike thats also seems to be pretty strong and offer a decent amount of travel. i havnt had any of the chain suck problems that have been spoken about so i cant comment on them but overall if i was going to buy a general purpose mountian bike again id buy a fisher | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david eaves
a Racer
from swansea
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything really | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | suspention actoion is very smooth with little bob, weight it also ok and the general way the bike rides is very good | | Weaknesses: | shock bushings wore out quite quickly but were easily sorted out | | Similar Products Used: | specialised epic and fsr, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | specialised sugar plus frame, fox float r shock, marzochi marathon s forks, crossmax xl, xt throughout, hope m4 brakes, conti vapor tyres easton finishing kit | | Bottom Line: | buy one, i think its the best all purpose mountian bike i have ever ridden. i race road bikes so i like to have a mountian bike more for trails than to race so its not quite as light as an epic or something like that but it is very confy, handles very well and a superb trail bike thats also seems to be pretty strong and offer a decent amount of travel. i havnt had any of the chain suck problems that have been spoken about so i cant comment on them but overall if i was going to buy a general purpose mountian bike again id buy a fisher | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reijo
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | R-Tech | | Strengths: | Very good climber and very silent on downhill | | Weaknesses: | None (exept the chain suck problem, which seems to be solved now) | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Shoreline Trail (my previous bike) | | Bike Setup: | I bought only the frame and the rear shock and the rest of the parts were taken from my previous bike (the frame of which got broken). So it's a combimation of Shimano XT and Sram Esc 9.0 parts, including Rock Shox Judy Race front suspension and Selle Italia Flide saddle. | | Bottom Line: | An extremely pleasant bike to ride both uphill and downhill. The no-bob suspension works perfect, also. With this bike I have forgotten the back aches I used to have with my previous FS bike. I have solved the chain suck problem (which takes place when changing from the middle chain ring to the small chain ring) by a zip tie setup (of which I have some pictures, if someone is interested). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex g
a Cross Country Rider
from houston
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | walnut creek-austin | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | simple effective single pivot design, genesis geometry, great customer service (if you talk to the right person) | | Weaknesses: | occasional chain suck, single pivot axle design | | Similar Products Used: | Voodoo, Raleigh, GT, Santa Cruz | | Bike Setup: | XTR front derailleur (BIG difference) Manitou Black Elite, Cane Creek Cloud Nine, Bontrager Superstock | | Bottom Line: | Simple and effective single pivot design. Less rear triangle flex than earlier 2000 models. Once you get used to Genesis geometry you'll love the handling. Even after tweaking the rear derailleur to perfection you get occasional shiftfunk and chaindropping from mid to granny. Still more flex in back than a Superlight but then again, you get a whole bike for the price of a SL frame. The one MAJOR prob to keep an eye on is the main pivot bolt. Retighten with medium locktite (100inchpounds) at least once a month. If that puppy loosens up on you while riding it fatigues the bolt and ends up shearing off the "bolthead" and leaves you with a very dangerous situation if you're not aware of it. An XTR derailleur up front helps a bunch with shifting. The Cloud Nine is a VAST improvement over the AD-5 that came with it. Other than that this bike is absofreekinlutely sheer sweetness on two wheels... Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom roedell
a Weekend Warrior
from concord
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | s and w | | Strengths: | Good climbing,comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, stock tires suck | | Similar Products Used: | Several Gary products in past, first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new tires, and peddles | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike in 12/03. Five weeks ago bent/dented the swingarm, have been waiting since then for Gary to ship a new one to my LBS at a cost of 500 bucks. Seems like a long time to wait and loosing a bit of faith in Gary. Bike shop says they have called Gary numerous times for the part, and "its on the way". Not sure how much longer to wait or buy a new bike-short season in NH. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blaise Duplan
a Cross Country Rider
from Geneva, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Geneva forests - Verbier | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sid's Bike Shop, NY | | Strengths: | Solid feel, Genesis geometry, GF name, US built, light feel, amazing uphill abilities, great at dowhill | | Weaknesses: | Chain problems ??
Spungy feeling ?? | | Similar Products Used: | GF Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Avid brakes, XT front and rear, stronger chain | | Bottom Line: | i have been riding the bike through lots of different terrains in the rocky Swiss Alps or in humide forest trails, and it is really great, comfortable, fast, agile, climbs like a genesis does: a goat.
A great bike for all country riders (with back problems!) and occasional racers (Did one in Gruyere (yes the cheese area!) and was surprise how efficient the bike was)
However, I had severe issues with the chain, specially climbing up and that kills me: for me one GF absolute advantage is the climbing skills due to the Genesis geometry. And now, i got scared of pushing too hard on the pedal!! Terrible! That also brought a feeling of unreliability. I used a basic Marlin for 5 months in Brasil (trails,rivers, mud, roads, sand, just hammered the bike)and I just loved that bike! I kind of miss it now!
Another point is the "spongy" feeling on very bumpy terrains, but maybe due that i am pretty new on a FS.
I cant get it back to the shop to fix the chain issue as i bought in NY (yes just flew from Europe to NY to buy it! isnt that cool? price difference paid for the ticket,oops! and felt good to buy a US product in the US)
Globally its a great bike, but i will sell it if chain suck problems happen again, get a HT but always stay with GF.
Any advices on how to solve the chain problems ??
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M W
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississippi
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Lightly used from a friend | | Strengths: | Nice bike - accelerate fast, great climber, fairly light, does well on the downhill stuff | | Weaknesses: | none that I have found yet | | Similar Products Used: | my old Schwinn hardtail from 1995 | | Bike Setup: | chris king headset, bonty cranks and BB, Fox Vanilla front shock, Fox rear shock, Shimano XTR brakes and derailleurs, Ritchey tires, and some cheap Ritchey SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | I have found this to be a good product for the price I paid for it. Sure beats the heck out of the old hardtail - I am much faster and much more comfortable. All of my riding buddies are now jealous and want FS bikes. Though a lot of people have commented about the dreaded chainsuck, I have not had any problems with this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cherokee Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | used from roadie | | Strengths: | Plush suspension, but very little pedal bob. Great bike both downhill and uphill. Not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Not many. More expensive bikes have nicer components and weigh less. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Candy SL pedals, Trailbear tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will take care of you. It's tough, comfortable, and fun to ride. I currently own an 03 fuel 90 and give this bike the edge over my fuel. I like the plushness on the downhill and not enough weight or uphill advantage with the fuel. I have not experienced chainsuck problems with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin Emrich
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | 1500.00 | | Strengths: | When everything is working the bike climbs very well. | | Weaknesses: | I have had many different problems with the bike. The chain wont stay on and the bike shifts poorly. | | Bottom Line: | I have used this bike for two years and have had really bad luck with is. Whenever I ride up a hill the chain pops off and gets stuck between the frame and the gears. I have tried to replace many different parts but nothing has worked. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from GV, CA, US
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$945.00 | | Purchased At: | Sharp Bicycles | | Strengths: | This bike dominates the trails. Not only does it climb but downhill its smooth as hell. | | Weaknesses: | Sitting position is a little hard to get used to at first but other then that I have no complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perfect for the intermediate rider who wants to moto down hills and take some tough drops. The Duke shocks in the front are very easy to dial in and the Fox in the rear is a Fox nough said. Great bike for the money and some cool colors. Sharp really hooked me up on this bike, great shop down there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Pocatello
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | West Fork | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Scott's Ski and Sports | | Strengths: | Great components XT/LX mix. Its not heavy. Its squishy, yet no peddle bob. It climbs exceptionally well, very inexpensive compared with other bikes similarly equiped. It feels great. | | Weaknesses: | the saddle really didn't fit me. After I changed it I have loved it every ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Trek Fuel 80 and 90, Specialized epic (also a great bike), Raleigh Ram 4.0, Owned a Tassajara (love the genisis geometry) | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Duke U-turn xc fork, Avid brakes, Fox Float R, XT/LX Drive train. Later added Ritchey Logic v.2 pedals and a slimline gel seat. | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely love the bike. It is lighter than my old hard tail and much much faster. It climbes like a goat and flies downhill. It just has a "me" feel about it. Don't be fooled by its price I feel the sugar line can compete with the $5000 bikes. I had a problem with chain suck after a mean wreck about 2 months after i purchased it. My LBS determined that I bent the frame and they sent it back. It has been smooth sailing ever since. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a
from saint louis
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Shop | | Strengths: | Great durrability, love the geometry | | Bottom Line: | Gary fisher makes an excellent product, although often you don't get as much with a Fisher compared to other brands at a comprible price, mainly because you pay for the name...but if you can afford it, definately go with it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lang Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo on closeout | | Strengths: | The Gensis geometry, It works out great for a hill workout. I am 6 foot and 200 lbs and the bike fits great. I have a 36 inch inseam and the bike seems to be made for longer legs, which is what I was recommended by other riders. Very little if any pedal bob when hammering the climbs and when set at 4 inches it takes the down hill very well. But then again I ride for the workout and ride down just to ride up again. | | Weaknesses: | The chain strecthed and failed at 200 miles so I replaced it with an HG93 which worked out great and now I get about 1000 miles on a chain. I replaced the rear wheel due to hub failure at 450 miles along with the bottom bracket. My local shop replaced the entire wheel but I wanted to try the FSA pltinum pro and it worked out great. I had the rear hub fail again at 950 miles and I bought a set of Bonty valiants with Hope xc hubs. A thousand miles later no problems. This is a lower end bike and it cannot be set up, as is from the factory for everyone so you just need to try it and set it up with the components you like. You won't find a better bike for the money. Besides, it is fun setting it up to fit your riding personality. | | Similar Products Used: | I used to run, but thanks to a drunk driver I have extra metal holding me together, so my only experience is what other riders have let me use and a Costco 200 dollar special that I was spending more time maintaining than riding. However, I really do like biking better than running, once over age 40 running takes a toll on a body. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, other than Bontrager Valiants, with those sweet Hope xc hubs. I also upgraded to an HG 93 chain along with FSA platinum pro bottom bracket(three bearings is better than two. | | Bottom Line: | I have read reviews of the dreaded chain suck, but after 2000 miles I have never even slipped the chain. I really enjoy this ride and appreciate the made in America concept, which is rare now. Support our country and buy American when you can and this is a bike that you can and will enjoy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chung Pui Kong Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen , Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lantau Island | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mong Kok Professional Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great value ~~ Good climber , comfortable. Awesome paint job. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck is the main problem of this bike ~~~ | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Next LP crankset , Shimano WH 535, Thomson stem, Easton handle bar ......... | | Bottom Line: | A good price for a great bike. The one weakness is chainsuck. I use the Raceface crankset , chainsuck but cannot take the chain out everytime.I think may be the BB is a problem here. No need to spend more time to take it out. The chain will out when u release the gas from fox immediately.
It's happen when u shift while u are climbing usually. So, please try to shift before u climb.
Anyway, it is a good bike, cause it has good performance on all conditions.
And my friend Chan, who ride a Giant Team full suspention ( = NRS ONE ). And his setting is SID Fork, his bike is lighter 5 lbs than my Fisher. But he feel that he always eat dust from me. So u can see how fast the sugar did.
I have no planning to buy the other model. I love sugar. I love fisher. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Clarence St Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very light, great components. Extremelly comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | '96 trek 930 SHX | | Bike Setup: | higher angled bar. | | Bottom Line: | that $3000 i paid was oz dollars. Retail is $3900 for the bike here.
Just got this bike today. Was looking at '02 model, but got turned off coz of chainsuck. I ended up getting an 03 model for 900 less with a free computer. The service at CLARENCE ST CYCLERY (talk to anthony) was first rate. Ive never in my life had service like that before. The service alone covers the cost of the bike alone. anyway. I have only ridden it 3km or so. But it is extremelly comfortable, and after coming from a hardtail. This thing feels like im floating. Absorbs all bumps beutifully with bob not even worth worrying about. It prety much doesnt move when set right and pedelling hard.
Front shock works a treat, better than my old elastomer shock by far. And all i have left to say is buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Lawton
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Foothills 365 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Cave | | Strengths: | Climbing, downhill. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I owned, and loved, a Gary Fisher Supercaliber for 13 years before it was stolen and decided to stick with the brand. Boy am I happy that I did. I ride dry, rocky, mountainous terrain (so I'm not sure how the bike would perform in wet conditions) and this bike climbs like a maniac and handles small boulders extremely well. I'm not a psycho rider (so I'm not sure how this bike would handle air and other thrashing). The front and rear shock appear to be perfect for my 170 lb. weight.
"Supple" best describes this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krzysztof
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Kim's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Well, after half a season on this rig I must say that it is absolutely fantastic. I replaced the Bonty crank with an older Syncros I had laying around and all chainsuck has gone away -- and mind you, I'm not the meticulous sort when it comes to drivetrain maintenance, either. The bike inspires fanatical confidence in a cross-country rider with freeride aspirations, makes me inclined to take risks, and with the assumption that I can handle it I usually can!
This last weekend for the first time I switched to the 2.1" rear travel setting and was even more impressed with the versatility of this bike. I had gotten used to its softness, and thought it handled just great at 4", but now with the 2" setting the high-speed navigation of switchbacks has become a breeze.
P.S. Don't call Kim's bike shop expecting to get the price I listed below! Mine was a demo and it was the only one they had. I was rapped on the knuckles for all the calls that have been coming in to the shop asking for more :) | | Weaknesses: | - Had chainsuck with Bonty cranks
- Frequently complained-about tires aren't so bad once you get used to them
- Duke is suboptimal for a 200lb rider at 100mm, but running it at 85 is great!
| | Similar Products Used: | Hardtails
Proflex 756 | | Bike Setup: | Avid discs on Bonty race wheels
Syncros crank
Otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | Mmmm... yes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from casper wy
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | muddy mtn loop wy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | mountanin sports | | Strengths: | Great ride. Incredible climber. Lightweight. Great value. Great stock saddle. Great components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The brakes are soft and need frequent adjustments. If you buy this bike go w/ the disk brakes. The rims are soft and are in the shop being trued sometimes 3x week. No problems w/ chain suck. I weigh 170lbs and the front shock is a little to soft. The paint job takes a while to get used too, but I love it now. Tires are CRAP- I ride on all types of terrain and they don't work well on any type. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode all the bikes I could find in every shop from Tx to Wy. | | Bike Setup: | Stock
| | Bottom Line: | A great bike that will be getting a disk brake set up before next season. I have ridden this bike all over from Wy to Alaska and love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Mineola, NY
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | light weight | | Weaknesses: | horrible chain suck
flex in rear
bad shifting | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Intense Uzzi SL, various others | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | It was so bad I had to sell it and I felt bad for the kid I sold it to. I took it back to my dealer and other bike mechanics and no one could figure out the problem. I got a new crank and rear end from Fisher, but nothing helped. One dealer said this has been an ongoing problems with Sugars (they build the rear ends seperatly from the front) but usually a new rear end is the fix. It helped a little, but it was bad!!! It ruined my whole summer as I had to walk the bike half the time. I couldn't ride the bike. I bought the bike as a good race bike, but at the first race I couldn't get a clean shift. I'll stop complaining...I lost too much riding time and money on this as it is! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
strange
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antono
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | OP | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Discovery in Austin TX | | Strengths: | Most bang for the buck. XT rear,ZR900 frame. No pedal bob what so ever. | | Weaknesses: | Avid brakes stink. The colors aren't my style but the '04 GF bikes are looking better. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper,Specialized Enduro,Giant NSR,Klein Palomino, Kona something | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for stiffer fork spring. | | Bottom Line: | If you are 180lbs or more get the stiffer spring for the Duke XC right away. This bike is a blast to ride and is quite fast for its weight. There are a few components that could be upgraded over time but what bike under $1500 doesn't need a little improvement. As far as the "chain suck" issue goes I have no problems there. This bike shifts flawlessly and climbs great. If you are looking to upgrade from your hardtail or you are looking for quality on a budget this bike is for you. You can start with a stock set-up and upgrade when you have the funds and you won't be wasting your money. This frame is worthey of your attention. Don't wait,go buy it. You could be riding right now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Bar Harbor Bicycle | | Bottom Line: | Purchased a 2000 model in Spring 2001 on sale from Bar Harbor Bicycle in Ellsworth,Maine. Extra long Thomson seat post and stem were used on XL frame to accomodate my 6'8"/200 pound body. The Sugar geometry is especially good for tall folks. After 2 years and @ 2000 miles of trouble free cross country riding on very rough and wild trails through bear and moose territory, I noticed an unfamiliar clunking sound as I went over bumps. Upon close inspection I noticed that the weld at the base of the down tube was completely broken through. The sound was caused by the frame tubes banging into each other! The odd thing is that the bike still rode just fine for the 15 mile trip home. I took it back to my nearest local bike shop, Bar Harbor Bicycle, about 100 miles away. Within 3 weeks they moved all my original components over to a brand new 2003/2004 Sugar 3+ painted up at the factory just for me, with Sybil link and Fox Float shock all covered under warranty! I didn't think it could be possible, but I like the ride even more than the original. As for chain suck and shifting problems mentioned by others on this site, I've only had problems a couple of times when the drive train got way too dirty. Maybe those complaints were legit, but regular meticulous cleaning and lubing of the drive train may be all that's needed in many cases. From my experience, it's a great bike backed by a great warranty. Bar Harbor Bicycle was most helpful too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Summit Bikes (LBS) | | Strengths: | many, many strengths. awesome frame, strong parts spec. I love the travel adjustment link, fork's pretty nice too. awesome paint job. not to heavy. | | Weaknesses: | the paint chips pretty easily... really not much else. I haven't encountered any chainsuck problems whatsoever, yet.
I've heard many reports of the fork spring being too light. I didn't have this problem, but I think my LBS switched the spring prior to my riding it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 90, K2 razorback 3.0 or 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock. | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike! it's frame is trek/fisher ZR 9000. this means it is aluminum with zirconium added, to make the material 15% lighter, and have almost 5 times the fatigue strength. the rear suspension is quite plush, for descending and mini-drops, but it doesn't sap the uphill power. there is a *tiny* bit of bob, but it really no problem. I like the versitility of the suspension. you can change the rear suspension w/ an allen wrench and a reg. wrench, but to change the front, just twist the U-turn knob. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dirtdober
a Cross Country Rider
from thomaston,tx
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rocky hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1380.00 | | Purchased At: | discovery cycles(austin) | | Strengths: | genesis geometry(it climbs like a scalded goat and glides downhill), comfortable because you can stretch out on it(i'm 6'2"), adjustable travel, price | | Weaknesses: | seat and tires | | Similar Products Used: | specilized epic, jamis dakar, giant nrs, haro werks, yeti kokopelli, kona kikapu | | Bike Setup: | time atac pedals, irc mythos(1.95) tires, and a new seat soon. everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've only gotten 4 good rides in on it so far. at first the handling seemed a little slow but it has grown on me and i either don't notice it or i'm just handling it better. i wanted this bike because of its climbing ability and i must say i'm sold on genesis geometry. also, decending is sooo smooth that i find myself pedaling downhills instead of riding the brakes. the duke did seem a bit soft, but after playing with the rebound it stiffened up. the fox is perfect. i have not had any chain suck as of yet. i've shifted under my maximum load and still she runs smooth. the tires are much wider than i'm usually run. i thought they slipped around in the corners so i put my old mythos on although they are not very knobby either, they at least don't wash out on every sandy corner. overall i am very happy with it and could see myself buying another fisher in the future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Price. Good geometry for the most part. Fisher design. | | Weaknesses: | Stock saddle, minor chain suck. The Avid 3s are too spongy. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel 2000. Cannondale f2000 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded wheelset to Bontrager Race Lite Tubeless and Hutchinson Python tires. Everything else is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I rode the top of the line Cannondale and sold it and bought the 3+ and am extremely pleased. I should have done it earlier. It climbs, descends, and cruises well cross country. The Duke Shock needs some minor adjustment but I have not been displeased at all. I am going to upgrade the brakeset to Avid 7s as the 3s are a little too spongy. This is a bike that you can keep for a long time and just upgrade what you want to. Buy this bike if you want a great FS cross country bike and are on a budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Case
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rose Canyon (San Diego) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry, Sybil Swin Arm Rear. Quality of bike for the price. I didn't have to rob a bank to get this kind of quality. | | Weaknesses: | 515 Clipless, stock saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Original except, Avid SD7 brake levers and Avid Arch Rival Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding bike, I've only had it for about 2 weeks now, but I've already put about 200 miles on it, and I am impressed. Didn't think an FS could climb as well as this one does, but I was shocked the first time I took it over a steep climb (over roots and DRY SAND no less). It sailed up the hill and my front didn't come up once. This bike screams downhill, and just floats over obsticals. I'm used to riding my brakes down hill, but when I finally let go of them to see what the bike could do, I hardly felt a thing. Only one incident with the dreaded Sugar chainsuck, but after a light adjustment on the derailer, it hasn't happened since, and it shifts like a dream. The Duke forks are a bit soft, but I've been playing with the adjustments and I've just about got it. I am 190# and keeping it between 75 - 85 with a faster rebound setting seems to do the trick. This is my first Fisher and I'm sold for life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Conger
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Clair Shores, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Novi Treefarm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Macomb bikes | | Strengths: | Great componenets for $$$, Adjustible Suspension | | Weaknesses: | IRC tires (maybe) | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | First of all, I've put about 50 miles on the bike in my first week and I have had NO chain-suck. Not even the slightest hint. I've been agressively shifting, on and off road, and the LX responds every time.
Second, I weigh 150# and I even think the Duke shock is a bit spongy. I set if for about middle travel and played with the rebound damping and got it set pretty nice. It takes some adjusting, but you'll get it.
Third, I was very geeked about the adjustible travel in the rear, but I find myself leaving it in 2.8 all the time. The first time I hit the trail I moved it to the higher setting and found myself having a hard time trucking it up the climbs. I almost considered selling the bike it was so bad. Then I returned with the bike set at 2.8 and I was FLYING up those hills! I was jumping major rocks and log piles without bottoming out the shock, and I had amazing control - couldn't ask for more.
What can I say, I love this bike. A little adjusting and tweaking will get this thing in tip top shape for your body. If you're in the market for a hard tail, but you ride pretty agressive, get the sugar 3+. Hit up your LBS now while they've still got some '03s left and get yourself a deal like I did. Oh and the paint scheme is a little shocking at first, but you definetly get used to it. When road riding I get some smiles and stares, but it is a darn sexy bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beth
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane QLD. Australia
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Victor Cycles | | Strengths: | Stable, Great climber, Fantastic colour. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Blast | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike in every way bar one. I seem to have received one with the non exisent chain suck. The fantastic guys at Victor have done everything possible to fix this problem, following Treks instructions to no avail. (I myself contacted Trek for information about the problem, and they informed me that there was no such problem). Trek finally came to the party replacing the frame but three weeks later the bike is back at the bike shop never to return again. I don't profess to be the best and smoothest rider, but this should not happen in anotherwise fantastic bike. Would otherwise give this bike 5 chillis overall, but because of Treks failure to reconise the problem and the fact that they allowed it to carry over from the 2002 I can't bring myself to do so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krzysztof
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood, NJ | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Kim's awesome Bike Shop, New Brunswick NJ | | Strengths: | - ride over anything
- no bob
- climbs like a goat
- downhill XC competence is stunning! | | Weaknesses: | - none? | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 756, my hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Time ATAC pedals, disc wheels and Avid mechanicals (came with the bike as it was a demo) I'm having the shop replace the Bontrager cranks with the Syncros I had on the Rigid One... | | Bottom Line: | This is my first modern full-suspension ride, and so far I've only put in one seven-hour Ringwood epic where we managed to get lost and it got dark... but that's neither here nor there.
Let me tell you, I was real skeptical about the FS thing. I've been riding hardtails and felt that the hardtail experience has made me a tremendously competent cross-country rider with the rocky, technical northeast trailage. I never felt any limit on what I could do on a hardtail, and always snickered as I blew past full-suspension riders on the climbs. But I've been getting into more aggressive riding lately and when the Z4 on my Rigid One blew up AGAIN, I was faced with the unpleasant prospect of replacing it, or buying this wonderfully-priced demo at my no less wonderful LBS. I went for it.
First impression? This bike is FABULOUS! No impediment to climbing at all. In fact, it makes it easier where I ride, because the rocks are punishing and force you to choose your line and shift your weight very carefully. Between the hardtail-earned skills and the forgiving nature of the full suspension, I have been able to clean more climbs than ever. Power loss? Maybe too early to tell, but after seven hours straight in the saddle, nothing I could discern. My endurance seemed enhanced by the gentler ride.
Technical downhills I just bomb now. It feels like cheating. There's no bounce at all -- you just float over the nastiest loose babyheads. My hardtail-riding buddy (who has declared a class war on me for buying this bike) was left way behind, whereas before we were just about neck and neck (and by no means slow!) It just rips. No brakes. Cheating!
Can't comment on the stock brakes because my bike came with the very competent Avid mechanicals which I put on every bike I own.
I did have a nasty incident on the trail with the drivetrain. I don't know what to blame it on -- I think it might have been a loose rock that got kicked up into the chain, bending it 45 degrees and causing bad gear skipping. I managed to ride for another hour and a half (as we were lost, in the dark) but at some point, the chain got sucked, BADLY. I couldn't fix it in the dark. After I rode a downhill with no pedals, it came back, miraculously.
Was this the dreaded Sugar 3 chainsuck? Hard to say. Certainly my chain was damaged before the chainsuck occurred. Just in case, though, I'm sticking the Bonties on the Rigid One for when I sell it, and my uber Syncros are going on this baby.
One more thing, I've got a 34" inseam and I'm 6'3", but the medium frame fits me wonderfully. My main hardtail is a 19.5" and was a great fit, but the Sugar seems to work great at 17.5" on the trail.
I'm getting the spring changed out on the fork for the stiffie, though it wasn't critical. I'll give another report after I have a few more rides. So far I'm absolutely thrilled! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j v
a Weekend Warrior
from chatsworth, ca
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still searching | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | tri valley bicycle | | Strengths: | all around | | Weaknesses: | chain | | Bike Setup: | terry ti liberator, velociraptor tires, bomber | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price...for the chain problem / shift first before climbing...no problem so far...just need some more upgrades and i'm happy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biff
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville SC USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The DUMP in Sparkle City | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1145.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycle` | | Strengths: | Very good climber, no pedal bob. Good brakes, sweet shifting from LX / XT combination. Fairly light, great tires. | | Weaknesses: | None really so far, I dont know if Im all that wild about the Duke fork up front, but I have a firmer spring on order (I weigh 190lbs) So I wont b-i-t-c-h about it just yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Had a Tassajara with thudbuster, demoed a sugar 4 for the weekend. | | Bike Setup: | xt rear -lx shifters and front derallieur. Duke fork, fox float R in the rear, In other words, stock except for a new seat, a BG specialized. Might be getting a Fox TALAS if the duke does not work out for me. | | Bottom Line: | I took a gamble on this bike because I have heard some complaining about chainsuck problems. I got a deal I could not pass up at my LBS so I went for it. I personally have not had any problems yet and have been riding the H-E-L-L out of it. And switching from middle to small frequently on front rings just to see (as I did with the demo)if I could get it to falter. No problems yet.
FULL SUSPENSION is the way to go! takes your game up a notch.
So far its been a blast to ride and i will follow up later with another review if I encounter any problems (fingers crossed) Anyway, the guys at my LBS assured me that the problem was fixed on the 03's. And Gary Fisher will make anything your not satisfied with right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga,TN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ocoee trail system | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | Design, Sybil link, good ground clearance, nice components for the price, Duke great for light riders like me, sharp looking when it's not covered with mud! | | Weaknesses: | That seat! Why do they even put a seat on it, everbody replaces it anyway! | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88, Trek 6000, Specialized Rock Hopper,
Gary Fisher Tassahara. | | Bike Setup: | Changed seat. Changed to slightly shorter and higher stem.
Pedals Ritchey V3, the 515's that come with it will get you killed! | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I have owned so far! I have ridden some difficult trails with no problems and no chain suck. This bike will fly. I tune it myself and shifting is precise and reliable.
The Duke on the front is great for my 135 pounds. The brakes are good but not great. Love the design of the rear suspension. I was on the border between a small and medium frame and went with a medium because I have 31" inseam, so I changed to a shorter stem. The color is great too if that matters to you. I am looking forward to putting many trail miles on this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from WV
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Currey's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Fox Float rear shock, Duke fork | | Weaknesses: | brakes stop well but they feel mushy | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp | | Bike Setup: | stock except for seat | | Bottom Line: | Lighter, better climber than my old bike. After reading some of the other reviews, I was worried about the chain suck problems. But, I haven't had any problems. Almost no pedal bob. Duke is a bit spongy at 100 mm, but I usually ride at 85 mm. Very happy with bike so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX. USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Genesis geometry, Fox Float | | Weaknesses: | Some chain suck, nothing too bad. I think the LBS fixed it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Giant | | Bike Setup: | '03 Marzocchi Marathon, Cateye Velo 2 | | Bottom Line: | My first FS bike. Bought this bike based on reviews, multiple dealer comments (including those who didn't carry Fishers) and feedback from personal acquaintances/friends who were more experienced in mountain biking.
Excellent bike for overall trail riding. Genesis geometry virtually eliminates bob. Very reliable. Climbs exceptionally well and steady on descents. Good for beginners and experienced riders alike. Wasn't planning on changing the Duke but a friend gave me an offer I couldn't refuse on the Marathon. A little bit heavier than the other ones I tried but this weight is almost immaterial when riding.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quality bike in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex g
a Cross Country Rider
from houston, tx
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | walnut creek, austin | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | $1100 | | Strengths: | improved frame design, bonty wheelset, price | | Weaknesses: | chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Sugar, Santa Cruz superlight, Raleigh | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi Z2, XT, XTR, Kore, King, YoMomma | | Bottom Line: | Just received the 3+ replacement frame on my 2000 frame that cracked after 2 years. Hats off to the Fisher engineers for fixing the way too flexy frame and triangle of the original design. Now it feels more like a Superlight in terms of stiffness and responsiveness. Also the Sybil travel adjustment kicks assssssss! So much more superior in the 2.8 mode than the original (that tended to bottom out too often). Swapping out the Bonty crankset (auuugh!) with a TruVativ and upggrading to an XTR front derailleur helped shifting a bunch. Also they got rid of the "leaf catcher" in the rear stays. My Superstock wheelset has held up FANTASTICALLY to the last 2.5 years as well. Looks like they finally got the Sugar just right. Even threw in a shock with the frame even though that wasn't part of the warranty. (is that service or what?) Thanks Fisher for making a FS bike at a reasonable cost that'll keep up with the Ellsworths and Santa Cruz's without sapping up all your frogskins. Sheer sweetness...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chung Pui Kong Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lantau Island | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Mong Kok Pro Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Good price for the Gary 's bike ! Fast , comfortable Bike !
After I buy this , I will never change the frame ~ | | Weaknesses: | Only chainsuck is a problem.It is not a serious , but very disturb problem. When u climbing up , chainsuck was make u crazy ~~~ but I still like this bike | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Next LP Crankset , Shimano 535 wheelset, Rockshoks Duke XL U-Turn ,LX V-brakes ...... | | Bottom Line: | These kind of frame , Gary 3+ , Giant NRS , Trek Fuel , can set up like hardtail. That's the reason why the Fox Float R is outstanding now. Because we don't need it. So, if u are not a DH rider , full suspension is a good choice.
In this 3 chioces, Trek is the expensive one, Giant and Gary is a very good price for their quality. I choose Gary because I like the colour.
I have ride my Gary 6 months, chainsuck is the only little problem and I can't find any other fault on this bike. And , I'm not a bigger guy , I'm 67 kg so the RockShox is not too soft for me.
You can left the shock in the 2.8 setting , then u can go fast and u feel it like a hardtail. When I ride it in city , I use Hutchson Top Slick then I FEEL AMAZING.
For many bigger riders, Duke shock is too soft for them , just need to change the front. Me ? I want to change SID ........ This bike , no weakness for me. Thank you Gary Fisher
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Trek La Mesa | | Strengths: | Genesis Geometry is right on. This is a very fast bike, very easy to control when the going gets rough. Climbs incredibly well. No bob when climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Stock spring on Duke is to soft for anyone over 170lbs or who is extremely aggressive. Quite a bit of flex when pulling hard on the rear brake(solved with brake booster) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Sugar 2+, Kona Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Duke fork, Fox float shock, only add on is a Salsa brake booster(big help) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I am almost 6'5" and the fit is perfect. The component mix is very good, and so far very reliable. It is so solid you don't realize how much travel the rear end has till you hit something really nasty, then it just eats it up. Genesis Geometry is for real. You don't have to get as far off the seat on steep downhills, and the control is there when uphills get technical and steep. The only thing the sugar 2+ has over this bike is the fork(I really would like to have the Talas). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirby
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Chicago Drive | | Strengths: | It's a sweet ride! Genisis Geometry, Fox Float shock. Great at climbing and my back doesn't hurt after 2 hours on a trail anymore! | | Weaknesses: | I concure that the Duke shock is too soft. Get a firm spring. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90, Haro xls 1.0, specialized stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike! In reading all the reviews it seems that chain suck is a problem, but in the 150 miles of trails I have rode so far I have not had it happen once! I am a big guy, 6' and 240 and this bike does it all for me. This bike has put a smile on my face every time I have rode it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MatRid
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona, United States
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fantasy Island (so far) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Oro Valley Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very solid frame and no vibration. Don't feel like my arms get beat to death. Color. Front and rear shocks are great. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, but I took a couple of links out and have had no problems. I want to upgrade the brakes and wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic, Cannondale Super V. | | Bike Setup: | Serfas DD pro seat, Thomson Elite seatpost and stem, '03 XTR shifters/brake levers and rear derailleur and XT front Derailleur. Also, added Profile carbon handlebars. The best addition was the Crankbros Eggbeater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. I use to ride a Cannondale Super V Raven and didn't realize I could enjoy biking again. I don't have any problems with the Duke shock, but then again I am only 150. I haven't riden in a while and this bike has made getting back into shape fun. I am looking forward to regaining my confidence to get back on the more fun trails. I don't plan on buying anything other then Fisher again. Although this bike is tough enough I shouldn't have to buy anything else again. Bottom line, this bike is great for the new rider or someone who is ready to get crazy on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ONEMOUNTAINBIKER@MSN.COM Walker
a
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1359.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Excellent buy into a SUGAR for under $1400.00 | | Weaknesses: | Little clearance between frame & chain rings. | | Bike Setup: | XTR deraileurs. San Marco Night Train seat. XTR brakes. Rold Dolomite wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike for a year now and made some XTR upgrades and this is the bottom line. In one year, riding every week, I have had chainsuck only 3 times since I shift just prior to climbing over rocky terrain which can jump your loose chain down off the middle ring. I wish there was alittle more clearance around the chainrings and frame so that chainsuck wouldn't happen. The front fork is just a tad soft. I am 5'-10" & 186 lbs. I set the shock at around 84-87mm. The less travel, the stiffer. if I set it at 80, like other shocks, it would probably be perfect. Best BUY for the money. No doubts there. Buy the bike & add some upgrades to bring price around 2300.00 and you will love it. Very dependable. I never ride my Paragon anymore. It is for sale on MTBR. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Geometry leads to a nice comfortable ride. By far the best ride of its competitors. | | Weaknesses: | Build quality and some chainsuck. Nitpicking, but I wish there were an adjustable seat clamp. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I've left the shock in the 2.8 setting. | | Bottom Line: | I was pretty bummed about the build quality. My bike was shipped missing the cable guides on the rear swingarm - flaw #1. LBS glued the cable on and ordered a new swingarm. New swingarm arrived a couple of weeks later and was no where near color matched - flaw #2. Trek rep basically said "tough luck stupid customer" Pretty poor customer service for a +$1500 purchase.
I've also suffered some chainsuck on my early rides, though not terrible. Sloppy shifting and you are toast.
Overall, real nice bike but poor buying experience.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murphdog
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brady's Run Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Scholl's Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Genisis Geometry: I'm a believer!!
Fox Float R shock is outstanding!!
Components are perfect for price range
Excellent climber and downhiller!!! | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shock Duke XC is too soft. Went to the "Firm" spring but still a little soft. I might invest next year in a beefier front shock.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | All stock - except for "firm" spring in Duke XC U-Turn. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike upon the recommendation from other postings on mtbreview. I am a 6'2 220 aggressive rider, who was looking for a bike that can withstand the punishment of a larger body. Thank You Gary Fisher, this bike absolutely kicks ass!! I am the heaviest rider out of my crew by about 40 lbs and had a tough time keeping up before my purchase, but not now. I find myself climbing up sections of the trail that I never had made before, and bombing downhill’s to no avail. I was pleasantly surprised how quiet and solid the bike is on the trail; (A good friend rides a Trek Fuel that sounds and rides like my old ten speed from Kmart.) All in all the only thing that I wish I could change on the bike is the front fork, just a little too soft for my style. I would recommend to other Clydesdale riders that they go with the disc brakes. Micro problems with chainsuck but only after epic downhills, but tough to complain when I have such a huge smile on my face. Yeah!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Gallup, NM USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any ride beats working | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Scoreboards Sports in Gallup, NM | | Strengths: | -outrageous climbing ability
-geometry is just plain sweet
-Fox float R may be the best rear shock ever (?)
-Duke XC U-turn has ideal range (63-100mm) for trailriding
-component choices near perfect (see below) | | Weaknesses: | -the Achilles heel: the dreaded Sugar chain suck (see below)
-stock IRC 2.25 tires are S-L-O-W | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd Trek Fuel 98; Specialized FSR-Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Time ATAC pedals (are there any other?) and 2.10 Michelin Wildgrippers | | Bottom Line: | 1) I researched almost every FS bike out there and came down to a choice between Santa Cruz and Gary Fisher. While the SC Blur and Superlight have more cache, you just cannot beat the (also U.S. made) Sugar 3+ in terms of bang-for-buck. It wins hands-down...for HALF the price.
2) Man, does this bike kick boo-tay on the trail! Confident descender, quick handling without being twitchy, and as far as climbing, you just gotta ride it to believe it. I would definitely purchase this bike again (and I plan to ride it into the ground).
3) Complaints: I thought the chain suck issue would have been ironed out after the busloads of people ranting about it on their 2002 Sugar 3+'s. Multi-suckage. I've even had to take the chain apart twice on 3-4 hour mini-epics, and it blows. Don't even THINK about downshifting from middle to little under load! Come on, Gary: this is the only thing holding back a super sweet ride. You really gotta fix this.
4) Minor stuff: a) The 2.25 IRC's were just slow. The 2.10 Michelins make this bike a near rocket. b) The Duke XC is perfect for this bike and you WILL use the different travel, but in the 4" / 100mm travel mode, the spring is kinda soft (and I weigh only 180#). c) Shoulda come with Time's.
5) THM: the (near) perfect trailbike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny Guerra
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1745.00 | | Purchased At: | Mission cyclery | | Strengths: | geometry is great! the no bob really gives it a cross country feel | | Weaknesses: | the tires and the pedals suck! i would rather eat a moldy loaf of bread and wash it down with a quart of butter milk then ride either of them again! | | Similar Products Used: | 98' supercaliber | | Bike Setup: | avid cable pull disc brakes, wtb velociraptor tires and sefra lola seat. | | Bottom Line: | Stock the bike looks like it will perform. But the first big problem for me was the tires not grabbing anything, then i had to deal with the pedals not letting me out, and i ate it, alot! With a few minor up-grades this puppy rocks! i'm not that big so the front shock isn't so bad, and as for the rear travel, sometimes less is more. I'm keeping mine on 2.8 (i can't seem to get that XC out of my blood.)
great bike, minor upgrades needed in my view. oh and if you know anyone who wants these pedals or tires, let me know, i'll be happy to part with them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, US
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Geometry is wonderful, and the equipment package is outstanding. Smooth ride, great fork. The rear shock is out of the mud zone. | | Weaknesses: | Top tube makes for a tough fit on many car racks. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Comp; Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock, only added a CatEye Velo2 | | Bottom Line: | A great, solid bike. I went with the Sugar because if just felt solid. Rode the Jamis and it just felt real shaky, like all the pieces weren't fitting together well. The Sugar is more expensive but for an intermediate rider like myself, it is a great bike because it is so well designed and built. The color scheme takes a little bit of getting used to, but it does grow on you over time. Not a lot of bob in the pedaling, the bike climbs as well as my hard tail in most places. The shocks did a great job at City Park in Austin which is about as technical as you can find around here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Almaguer
a Weekend Warrior
from Jupiter, Fl , USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | JD State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | B & J BICYCLE SHOP | | Strengths: | The components, "no-bob" design, and rigid frame. I can keep pace with hardtails and at the end of the day my rear end isn't bruised and battered. The rear suspension is rigid. It takes a lot for a noticable flex to occur. The Fox Float R is a nice addition. The IRC tires are nice too. No more slidding over on loose gravel. | | Weaknesses: | The front fork is a little soft. I'm 6-1 200 and I should trade it out for something else. I will exchange it after it breaks or I break (which ever comes first). | | Similar Products Used: | Piece of crap Giant (rigid frame) that some poor fool stole from me. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now...that is until I replace the front fork. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that for $1300 dollars I could not go wrong. I was torn between this bike and the Jamis Dakota XC. I choose this one for its value and most importantly it's geometry and ride. If your looking for a solid full suspension bike that does not bob up and down then this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Salinas
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Goats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobcat Bikes | | Strengths: | Bike for the money. Fox Shock and suspension system ride nice. Paint job. U-turn fork. | | Weaknesses: | The springs in the front fork is not for the bigger boys like me (225lb). Bike shop changed it out for free and all good now. Chain sucked twice but i think the bike shop adjusted that out. | | Similar Products Used: | treck fuel 80, 90, Giant NRS, | | Bike Setup: | Stock for the most part, shock at 175 psi, bigger springs in the fork | | Bottom Line: | My opion may be a bit off, this being my first full suspension bike purchase and not having ridden much before but this bike rocks. I'm Riding more then I ever thought I would and having fun. The U-turn fork seemed kinda wierd at first but I find myself using the travel adjustment alot, But be careful the plastic nob can strip out.
As a new rider i would reccomend this bike for new riders, it's worked well for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle White
a Cross Country Rider
from Cedar City UT, United States
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Navajo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1275.00 | | Purchased At: | Cedar Cycle | | Strengths: | Climbes very well. I really love the no bob design, and the fox float r rear shock. The bike set up is nice, and the duke handles fine. i love the way the bike decends and how it moves with the terrain, and not bouncing off obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | The duke. the spring is way too soft. for my 190 pound body i need a little bit more stiffness. the chain came off a few times durring a ride, but i think that is normal. the bike didn't come with a rear shock pump, and i was sort of mad about that. now i have to buy my own. | | Similar Products Used: | A piece of junk wal-mart bike. | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks butt. i love it. i really like the paint job and the bike handles awesome. its worth every hard earned penny i put into it. i am really impressed how the bike is so easy to controll. i havn't had any problems with it. it can take a beating and is a great all around bike. its a great bike and ill have lots of fun with it for years to come. anyone who wants a sweetness bike should get this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Central PA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddie's Bikes in State College | | Strengths: | Climbs great, fast, IRC Backcountry tires are very good! Seems to be bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: | The paint color scheme, chain popped off a lot (4 - 5 times each ride) at first - shortening the chain a few links corrected the problem. Bike gets very muddy when riding in mud. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajara, Giant NRS-2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except -> Avid mechanical disc brakes, Bontrager Race Disc wheels, Time MTB pedals | | Bottom Line: | A great value. Components nearly identical to those on the more expensive Sugar 2+. Figured I could upgrade components when (if) any of them break. With the exception of a few flat tires, I've needed to make zero trail side repairs or adjustments. Climbs great, smooths out rough terrain and handles very good in all conditions I've put it through. I don't really like the paint color scheme, but that's just a personal preference. The absence of a rear shock lock-out is not the concern I thought it would be. Nice feature is ability to change between 2.8" and 4.1" of rear travel, but since switching to 4.1" travel, I don't see any reason to switch back to 2.8".
Bottom Line: I love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Walker
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1359.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Love the 2.25 IRC tires. You can only buy the rustwalls when you wear them put though. The IRC blackwalls are only availble through TREK OEM production line. Have your shop special order them for you NOW if you want the same tires later. The paint is great and holds up well. The Fox-R shock is place in a good position, unlike TREK's, where it is placed in the mud zone on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Avid Single Digit brakes are a bit weak......These seem to be the same brakes on the Klein Palamino Race as well. The front DUKE fork is a bit squishy. Get the stiffer spring or maybe look at the FOX front fork. I've gone over the bars twice since I am not used to a softer spring. I am dialing it in at 88mm to give me some travel. | | Bike Setup: | XTR front & rear derailleurs; San Marco seat. | | Bottom Line: | Bike is 29 lbs. Had to get used to the weight difference at first from my Paragon hardtail 24.5 lbs. Its a fast bike and very forgiving over rough terrain. I have gotten used to the slight weight differnce when climbing and is no problem now. I always thought your butt was supposed to hurt after riding for 3 hours. I will order the stiffer front fork spring in order to have travel without the mush or I will put the Duke on my hardtail and buy a FOX adjustable if it comes with a stiffer spring. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
r
a Weekend Warrior
from triad, nc usa
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i'm building | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Spinz Bike Shop | | Strengths: | - Climbing ability
- Descending ability
- Great Saddle
- Fox Float R
- Color | | Weaknesses: | Avid Single Digit 3 Brakes
Stock spring in the Duke fork is too soft | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 959 pedals
Avid Ultimate brakes and levers | | Bottom Line: | With this bike I am the the weakest link. It will go anywhere and do anything that my abilities will allow.
The Titec seat is wonderful- it fits my rear like a glove.(can someone tell me why quick release levers don't come on seatposts anymore?)
I was getting some rear brake flex, causing a somewhat mushy feel, so I bit the bullet and bought avid ultimate brakes and levers. Although the stock Shimano 515 pedals are OK, I am a sucker for high quality, exquisitely machined parts, so I upgraded to 959's. The Stock spring in the Duke XC fork was way too soft for my 195 pounds, so I had my LBS install the extra firm spring which helped but I wish it was just a bit firmer. They charged $70 to change the spring. (is that a rip-off?) They also charged me for a rear shock pump, which is supposed to come with the bike. After I forwarded them Gary Fisher's email stating such, they gave me a refund. Bottom Line: Great bike, lousy bike shop.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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